Electroplating

Electroplating is the process of using an electrical direct current to coat an electrically conductive object with a thin layer of metal. EPi offers a variety of high-quality electroplating processes that are ideal for all types of metal finishers. Learn More

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Cleaners

All metals need to be cleaned prior to electroplating, blackening, or finishing. Metalworking fluids and carbonaceous smut need to be removed in a soak, spray, electroclean, or ultrasonic cleaning. A properly cleaned part will have excellent adhesion and be brighter, blacker, and smut-free. Learn More

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Acid Salts

Dry-powdered and liquid acid salts are specifically formulated for removing rust, scale oxides, stains, and smut from a variety of metal surfaces. Acid salts are also used to activate metal surfaces for further finishing. Learn More

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All Aboard the Bright Dip Express!

Posted by Eric Olander on July 1, 2013

Recently, I had a customer come to me with a piece of history in his hands.

He had with him a model train part that was over 40 years old! Like most old collectibles, it had lost its original shine but none of its original character. He came to me wanting to have his old, dull but fascinating model train restored like it was brand new.

As a regular blog readers know, my father was an avid model train enthusiast. After he passed away, his entire model train display was moved to the Illinois Railway Museum. Needless to say, I was more than happy to help another model train enthusiast restore a piece of history.

We made a video on the bright dip process for the train. GO HERE to view it. Here's a photo of the finished product:

For the project, we used a combination of EPi products. For cleaning, we used E-Kleen 163A. For the bright dip, we used a combination of E-Prep 221 and a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Then there was a quick de-oxidation process in a 5% sulfuric acid dip. The finished product turned out very well! We look forward to doing similar projects in the future.